The Veteran's service-connected alcohol/multisubstance abuse is granted as secondary to his PTSD. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied, while the Veteran's migraine headaches are granted a 50% rating.
The deciding factor: Service connection for alcohol/multisubstance abuse was granted as secondary to PTSD due to the medical evidence linking the substance abuse to the service-connected psychiatric disorder. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not linked to service, with the August 2020 VA examination finding no link to military noise exposure or in-service onset. The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% based on their severity and impact on economic adaptability.
- Claimed conditions
- alcohol/multisubstance abuse, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, migraine headaches
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- December 4, 2023
- Citation
- 23063772
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 23063772.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.